Early clinical experience with The Anesthetist Society (TAS) scope (an indigenous videolaryngoscope).

Abstract

Tracheal intubation is the preferred technique for mechanical ventilation. However, standard tracheal intubation via conventional direct laryngoscopy (DLS), performed by untrained medical personnel has high incidence of failure. Success rate by medical support staff, medical students and novice anaesthesia residents is stated to be between 35% and 65%.[1] Alternative approaches for improving the success rates include use of videolaryngoscopy (VLS), which provides better view of the glottis and higher success rate.[2] It does not depend on alignment of the optical axes in the pharynx and mouth.[3] It is more effective but can be time-consuming but the steepness of the learning curve may be less than that with DLS for a novice.[4] The main hurdle in DLS with Macintosh laryngoscope is the visual restriction inherent to the procedure caused by a need to get straight line of sight to visualise the glottis, blade flange, tongue and epiglottis making the procedure monocular at the level of the larynx.[5] Video laryngoscopes (VLS) represent a breakthrough in airway management. They are available in various designs and blade shapes, with specific applications in selected case groups. Most of the VLS available in market are cumbersome to use and expensive. The need of the hour is a user-friendly and economical VLS. TAScope (The Anaesthetist Society scope) is an indigenously designed VLS by a fraternity member. It is a channelled, anatomically angulated video intubation aid with an endoscopic camera which can be connected to mobile phones and tablets.[6] After satisfactory manikin trial in the institute, this preliminary human study was done to evaluate TAScope in comparison to Macintosh laryngoscope.